Shock absorbing sole

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a shock absorbing apparatus configured for use in a sole or insole for footwear. The device is generally provided in a raised structure equipped with air flow holes, a gripped bottom, and a smooth top.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. Pat. Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/239,359 filed 31 Aug. 2021 to the above-named inventor of which the disclosure is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a shock absorbing sole. More particularly, the device of the present disclosure relates to both an insole and an outsole having a lattice structure and predetermined shaped voids to absorb shock and return energy to a wearer.

BACKGROUND

Within the footwear industry it is well known to improve the cushioning of wearers to increase comfort and the usability of certain types of footwear. Several types of foam and resilient materials are utilized to provide this cushioning.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be advantageous to have an apparatus that is reusable. Furthermore, it would also be advantageous to have an apparatus that is interchangeable. Still further, it would be advantageous to have an apparatus that is flexible. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the market for a flexible, reusable, and interchangeable apparatus that supports a user’s feet.

The invention advantageously fills the aforementioned deficiencies by providing a shock absorbing sole and insert, which provides support for people when they are walking, running, or otherwise participating in an activity while wearing shoes.

The invention is supportive shoe insert.

The apparatus has air flow holes positioned in between a lattice or lattice-like structure.

The apparatus has a track base that is generally comprised of a pair of pair of supporting members separated from each other a height through the lattice assembly.

The apparatus fulfills the need for shock absorbing shoes.

Among other things, it is an advantage of the invention to provide a shock absorbing sole that does not suffer from any of the problems or deficiencies associated with prior solutions.

It is still further an advantage of the invention to be versatile.

The invention of the present disclosure is based upon the idea of a bellow with two pieces to move airflow and hence it can help absorb shock while giving some boost at the same time.

The invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are intended to be read in conjunction with both this summary, the detailed description and any preferred and/or particular embodiments specifically discussed or otherwise disclosed. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the front of the device.

FIG. 2 shows the side view of the device.

FIG. 3 shows the top of the device.

FIG. 4 shows the back of the device.

FIG. 5 shows the bottom of the device.

FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of the device.

FIG. 7 shows the front of second version of the device.

FIG. 8 shows the side view of the second version of the device.

FIG. 9 shows the top view of the second version of the device.

FIG. 10 shows the back view of the second version of the device.

FIG. 11 shows the bottom view of the second version of the device.

FIG. 12 shows the perspective view of the second version of the device.

FIG. 13 shows the front of the third version of the device.

FIG. 14 shows the top of the third version of the device.

FIG. 15 shows the back of the third version of the device.

FIG. 16 shows the bottom of the third version of the device.

FIG. 17 shows the perspective view of the third version of the device.

FIG. 18 shows the front of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 19 shows the side of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 20 shows the top of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 21 shows the back of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 22 shows the bottom of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 23 shows the perspective view of the fourth version of the device.

FIG. 24 shows the front of the fifth version of the device.

FIG. 25 shows the top of the fifth version of the device.

FIG. 26 shows the back of the fifth version of the device.

FIG. 27 shows the bottom of the fifth version of the device.

FIG. 28 shows the perspective view of the fifth version of the device.

FIG. 29 shows the front of the sixth version of the device.

FIG. 30 shows the side of the sixth version of the device.

FIG. 31 shows the top of the sixth version of the device.

FIG. 32 shows the back of the sixth version of the device.

FIG. 33 shows the perspective view of the sixth version of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Following are more detailed descriptions of various concepts related to, and embodiments of, methods and apparatus according to the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that various aspects of the subject matter introduced above and discussed in greater detail below may be implemented in any of numerous ways, as the subject matter is not limited to any particular manner of implementation. Examples of specific implementations and applications are provided primarily for illustrative purposes.

The invention is a shock absorbing sole for placement in footwear as midsole. The device is generally configured as a midsole to allow a manufacturing company to create various styles of tracking for the bottom sole to give consumer safety as well as company’s own style preferences.

The invention of the present disclosure can apply to multiple shoe types, including but not limited to, walking shoes, running shoes, dress shoes, boots, high-heels, flip-flops, sandals, and other types of common footwear.

The invention can be alternately described as an interchangeable shock absorbing insert for shoes.

Referring to the figures, FIG. 1 to FIG. 33 shows several and multiple embodiments of a shock absorbing sole according to the present disclosure and generally referred to herein as the device. The device features and functions can be used as both an insole and an outsole. The device is generally configured for placement in the midsole of a shoe to provide a cushioned support in the form of shock absorption. The device can be provided as a separate insole configured for placement in an existing pair of footwear or integrated directly within a new shoe. The device is generally provided in a raised assembly that when viewed in a side profile can be considered angular or ramp-like, wherein a portion that is aligned with the heel is higher than the forefoot. The device is generally comprised of a flexible material that has a height supported from a plurality of lattice or structural members. These lattice members can be arranged in a multitude of positions to form desired shapes or cushioning characteristics. The lattice structure generally forms a void or space that traps air and allows for the use of air in cushioning an impact during activity. The device may be sided, wherein an upper portion is smooth, and a bottom surface is textured to dimpled to increase grip during use. The device can generally be described as flexible, interchangeable, and reusable.

Various related embodiments of the invention are also described in Appendix A, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Within this Appendix A, it is shown that a manufacturing company can use different shapes, styles, and materials, to maximize the cushioned support for customers with different weights or preferences of shock cushion. Further, different shapes of the lattice structure can alone be altered to achieve various heights & shock absorption/boost as well.

While the invention has been described above in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. Upon reading the teachings of this disclosure many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure and the appended claims. It is indeed intended that the scope of the invention should be determined by proper interpretation and construction of the appended claims and their legal equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the disclosure in this specification and the attached drawings. 

1. A shock absorbing sole, as is herein shown and described.
 2. A shock absorbing insole, as is herein shown and described. 